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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10 21 15-REC-min.attach-21011110111 PINE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB Lexington, MA Visit Date: September 18, 2015 Present: Mr. John Allen, Jr., Vice President of Operations New England Golf Corporation Mr. William Harrison, President of New England Golf Corporation Mr. Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds Mr. James E. Skorulski, USGA United States Golf Association James E Skorulski, Agronomist 1 Green Section 1 Northeast Region 1500 North Main Street 1 Palmer, MA 01069 1 413-283-2237 1 Fax: 413-283-7741 1 Email: jskorulskiAusca.grg USGA Green Section Mission: The USGA Green Section develops and disseminates sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better golf. It was my pleasure to make a half day Course Consulting Service visit to Pine Meadows Golf Club on September 18, 2015. The golf course performed well this season with no major agronomic concerns beyond the crabgrass that has become established in the tee boxes. I found turf quality to be generally good during the visit. Heavily shaded tees were in weaker condition. The greens were just aerated prior to the visit, which has impacted the surfaces to some degree. We used our time together to review the events of the summer season and discussed general maintenance practices. We also discussed much needed tree removal work to further improve growing environments on greens and tee boxes. Tee renovation and rebuilding No. 4 green were also topics of discussion. The observations, discussions and recommendations made during our tour of the golf course are presented in the following report. GREENS General Maintenance The greens were in good condition. There was some thinning observed resulting from regular irrigation practices in the extremely hot and humid weather conditions that occurred through the last weeks of August and early September. The greens were aerated in the days prior to this visit to help alleviate surface compaction and for overseeding purposes. The aeration was done successfully but has led to some additional stress on the surface that the turf should be able to recover from once we return to more seasonal growing conditions. The condition of the soil profile was good. The upper root zone has been modified effectively with sand and organic matter does not appear to be excessive. It was good to hear that the greens were topdressed several times during the summer season. We discussed the importance of topdressing the greens at least on a three -week schedule through the entire season and then (when weather conditions permit) as a means to balance the accumulation of organic matter and to keep the profile layer free. A topdressing schedule of three weeks should be a maintenance objective for the greens next season. I do recommend using the Verti -Drain machine for deep aeration on the soil -based greens. That practice would be done in late fall. Complete the practice annually to fracture the native soils that lie below the sand amended profile. The core aeration will be completed next spring using solid tines. This program was successful and should work well in the spring season. The perimeter of No. 7 green was thin at the time of this visit. The thinned area is where the green was expanded. This is common when green expansion /restoration is done. The weak area is also an area where surface water collects and is the primary entry and exit point to the green. I recommend returning this area to apron height as I believe it will likely remain weak due to the high traffic and slower drainage in this area. Bring the collar in along the back of the green (off of the mound). This will not have any significant effect on cupping area and the area should be easier to maintain at the higher mowing height. Trees It is important to continue to remove trees that are shading the greens. The shade patterns were very evident on the morning of this visit. Greens No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 9 remain in dense shade in the morning and that worsens in the late summer and fall season. Shade across No. 3 green is being caused by trees growing behind the green. Selectively removing some of the deciduous trees behind the green would allow the morning sun to reach the green complex at a much earlier hour. This would be beneficial to help dry the surfaces more quickly and provide the additional Tight required for photosynthesis. The 4th green was also in heavy shade. Trees growing along the left side of the green and fairway are causing the shade patterns over the green. Trees growing behind the green also shade the turf through most of the winter season. Extensive tree work would be required along the left side of the green and fairway as well as the back of the green to make that growing environment more suitable for maintaining putting green turf. We also discussed relocating the green further away from the tree line to an area where the turf will receive much more sun exposure throughout the year. This might be a more practical option considering the need to rebuild the green. fA � 1 0100 Shade patterns were observed in the mid - morning hours across the 5th green. Additional white pine trees located along the south and southeast sides of the green should be removed to gain earlier sun exposure for the turf there. m,.ua1,i ,u 01, /liy,uc dl I 111111110111110 011 1111111,1,1,11), Remove two additional white pine trees growing on the back right side of No. 9 green to increase sun exposure for the turf The picture illustrates the dense shade created by the pine trees and other trees that are growing along the back and back right sides of the green. No. 4 Green It was good to hear that plans are moving forward to rebuild No. 4 green. The design of the current green is poor. Surface drainage over the green leaves the turf vulnerable to cold temperature injury. The primary cupping areas are also located in the greens lowest contours where drainage is poor. The green is located in a difficult growing environment where the turf receives minimal sun and air circulation. The green should be moved from its current location (to current approach /fairway area) where there is more sun exposure (if the trees cannot be removed). This would shorten the hole to approximately 170 -190 yards. The new green should be built to provide positive surface drainage in multiple directions off the green. The green should be built with a good quality root zone material and using the USGA method of putting green construction. I strongly recommend working with an experienced golf course architect who can properly locate and design the green that will be playable from the current tee complex. Rebuilding and relocating the green offers a good opportunity to improve the golf hole and help with pace of play issues, while placing the green in a better growing environment. TEES General Maintenance Crabgrass has become more widely established on a number of the tee boxes. There was also some goosegrass present, which can be a difficult weed to manage. Both of the annual grasses will have to be controlled using a preemergent herbicide. A split half rate application of Dimension should provide decent control of both crabgrass and goosegrass next season. The first half rate application would be applied in mid -late April or early May when soil temperatures (1 inch deep) reach 60 °. The second half rate application would be made four weeks later. Acclaim Extra can be used to control young crabgrass and goosegrass plants. However, control with the Acclaim Extra will be much less effective against more mature goosegrass and crabgrass plants. Drive can be applied to control the crabgrass that may become established in the tees and other areas. However, Drive will have no effect on goosegrass. Any goosegrass that does become established should be handpicked before the plants become too large. Maintaining an aggressive divot repair program will also help minimize crabgrass and goosegrass infestations. The divot repair work should be done on a daily basis on Par 3 tees if possible. Otherwise, complete the divot repair work two -three days per week utilizing a seed /soil mix containing perennial ryegrass. It is important to move the teeing markers frequently and widely over the tees to disperse traffic. This will allow more time for the divots and worn areas to recover before being exposed to additional traffic. An example of this was the 5th hole where traffic should be evenly distributed between the upper and middle tee boxes. There are certain tees that cannot be fully utilized due to interference with trees. This is the case with the left half of No. 5 tee. We discussed removing several additional trees growing on the left side of the fairway in hopes to make more of the tee usable for play. Similar interference from trees along the right side of the 6th tee and hole impacts use of that tee box. Trees Trees continue to impact turf quality on the tees as well as the use of the tee boxes. Dense shade continues to impact the 6th, 7th and 8th tee boxes. The 6th tee is growing in heavy shade. We discussed thinning white pine trees growing along the right side of the tee to increase sun for the turf on the tee box. An oak tree growing on the back right side of the tee is also shading the back section of the tee. That tree should also be removed. Completing tree work to improve the growing environment on the putting green should also benefit the tee box. Trees growing along the right side of the hole are also impacting the use of the tee as well as the turf growing along the right side of the hole (high traffic area). Extensive tree work should be completed along the right side of the hole to improve growing conditions for the turf there but also to reduce interference with play on the right half of the tee box. We spent time examining the 7th tee and how that growing environment might be improved while providing protection to the golfers. One option that can be considered is to extend the fence that is located behind the back of the tee further to the right. The fence could be installed on a diagonal pattern as it extends past the back of the tee. The height of the metal fence can also be increased to provide protection from lower shots. It should be possible to plant some columnar white pine trees and moderate sized deciduous trees to replace the taller white pine trees that now are shading the tee. The new plantings and fence will provide protection from lower shots. We can examine this area further at a future visit to discuss specific trees that can be removed or adding the fence and additional tree plantings. The 8th tee is also growing in heavy shade. The tree work that was completed along the left side of the tee has been somewhat helpful. However, more extensive work along the left side of the back tee as well as the left side of the middle and front tees should be completed to allow the sun to reach the turf at an earlier time in the morning. Cutting back the tree line will also make the left half of the back tee more usable for play. This tree work should be considered a priority and should be completed prior to renovating this tee complex. Renovation We discussed the renovation options for the 8th tee complex. One of the best options to improve the tee would be to expand the back tee forward. The tee would be kept at its current elevation. Fill to complete the project may be available from the berm that is in place near the forward tee box. The berm should be removed whether it is a source of fill or not. The back tee can be expanded slightly to the left as well once the tree work has been completed. It should be possible to at least double the size of the existing back tee. The subbase for the new tee would be built with the fill soils that would be stabilized through the fall and winter seasons. The subbase soils would then be covered with 6 inches of a good quality construction soil mix and established with shortcut Kentucky bluegrass sod. The surfaces of the 2nd and 5th tee boxes are unlevel. The crowned condition of the surface is probably a result of the heavy use of the tees and divot repair program in place. A program to level and then resurface the tees would provide more usable teeing area as well as improve the playing quality of both tees. The renovation project should be completed by an outside contractor that has laser grading equipment available. The surfaces would then be reestablished using a commercial shortcut Kentucky bluegrass sod. FAIRWAYS Thatch Management Excessive thatch is impacting portions of No. 1 fairway and the right side of the 4t' hole. The dense thatch mat has become water repellent in both areas leading to drought stress. Most of the turf roots in those weakened areas are growing within the thatch layer and thus the plants are more susceptible to drought stress. A slow soaking rain is required to rewet the thatch. Another option would be to treat the areas with a wetting agent and then try to irrigate to rewet the thatch layer. All of the fairways would benefit from hollow tine core aeration. Complete that practice as soon as possible to help reestablish good water penetration through the thatch layer into the underlying soils. The core aeration will also help to rewet the thatch that is now water repellent. The core aeration is being done annually. Fairways with higher levels of thatch should be cultivated at least with solid tines in the spring season. Using hollow tines for both operations is more effective however, to remove the thatch and the surface soils will serve as topdressing in those areas. Trees There are a number of trees that should be removed from fairway areas. The removals are recommended to eliminate poor quality trees that are in advanced stages of decline. This includes the mature willow trees that remain along the 2nd and 4t' holes, the hemlock tree and the arborvitae trees that separate the 1st and 2nd holes. Extensive tree work should be completed along the right side of the 6th hole. This was discussed earlier as a means to make more of the tee box usable for play. Removing several rows of pine trees along the right side of the hole will also increase sun exposure to a high traffic area that cannot currently be maintained. Removing the trees would make it possible to renovate the surface of this area to reestablish turf cover. Additional tree work was also discussed for the left side of the 5th fairway. These removals can be done once the new location for the green has been determined. We've also discussed the benefits of thinning the tree stand growing along the right side of the 3rd fairway to improve growing conditions for the turf in the right rough area but also to create better growing conditions for the trees that will remain there. Several of the newer trees should be removed to provide better growing conditions for the turf and also the trees that will remain. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Sand Bunkers The greenside bunker on the 5t' hole is not designed well. The bunker is prone to wash out and is poorly drained. The sand bunker could be renovated to make it more playable for the golfers and to correct the problems with washouts and drainage. Another option that I feel is more practical is to eliminate the bunker. This would involve removing the sand and reworking the complex to provide a maintainable grass swale. This would reduce maintenance on the golf course and might even make the hole more playable for a wider range of golfers. You can discuss the options for the current bunker with a golf course architect. CONCLUSION It appears to have been a successful season in regards to course conditioning and favorable weather conditions for play. There are several weak links on the golf course including No. 4 green and tee boxes Nos. 6, 7 and 8. Rebuilding No. 4 green is in my opinion the best long -term option to improve its performance. The green should be designed by a golf course architect and built to USGA recommendations for putting green construction. More aggressive tree work will also be beneficial for the poor performing tee boxes and for several additional green complexes. Finally, renovating No. 8 tee to level and increase its size will have a positive impact on its condition going forward. Do not hesitate to contact the office or any questions regarding the recommendations or information provided in this report. The Green Section appreciates your support of the Course Consultation Service and I always look forward to working with the Town of Lexington and New England Golf Corporation to help produce the best playing conditions possible. Sincerely, ?.• James E. Skorulski, Agronomist Green Section, Northeast Region cc: Mr. John Allen, Jr., Vice President of Operations New England Golf Corporation Mr. William Harrison, President of New England Golf Corporation Ms. Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation, Town of Lexington Mr. Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds JES:jen Reprints: Building Greens the Right Way — It's Easier Than You Think! http: // turf. lib .msu.edu /1980s11986/860711.0f "Been Doing It That Way For Years ... Never Had a Problem'' http: // turf. lib .msu.edu /1990s/1999/991120.pdf Quality Control Guidelines — A Quality Control Checklist for Successful Greens Construction http://cismdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.pv?file=/1990s/1993/930701.pdf MICHIGAN STAT U N I V E R S I T Y Turfgrass Information Center 1111rrl?r,rr fit The USGA Green Section Record, and predecessors, is a publication of the United States Golf Association. This item is from a digital archive of the publication, with coverage from 1921 to the present, maintained at the Michigan State University Libraries; see: http: / /gsr.lib.msu.edu. Conditions of use relating to this item are here: http: / /gsrJib.msu.edu /gsr conditions.htm. -101141113E tff 1111111211111•1111 , _ ..Spreading the 2" and later was easier and /aster than expected ilding Greens Ri It's Easier Than You T by HAROLD G. NEAL Superintendent, Tulsa Country Club, Oklahoma THE FIRST inclination that 1 might be involved with the recon struction of greens came in my interview- with the Selection Committee at Tuba Country Club v. ,f,y back in 1981. Four and one-l-i,ilyt's 4Tter answering "yes," we began the reconstruction process„ I'm sure that many clubs face the ex- pensive and difficult task of rebuilding their greens., 1 am also sure that they too will hear experts claim the process can be made simpler and less expensive by modifying the USGA's specifications for putting green construction. What fol- lows is a chronology of how we at Tulsa Country Club accomplished this major improvement to our course., On October 13, 1953, Dr Marvin Ferguson. who was then Director of the Southwestern Region of the USGA Green Section, visited Tulsa Country Club and pointed out that the original greens were built on a heavy, dense soil„ As the years passed, various techniques and construction methods were tried in an attempt to help our bentgrass greens survive the searing heat of an Oklahoma summer. It was finally, decided by the green committee in the early 1980s that this time we would build them by the hook Although our new greens opened for play, in March of 1986, the first steps took place nearly two year earlier. Jim Young and Dave Thompson, co-chair- men of the green committee, began selecting an architect, The architect chosen would have the delicate task of preserving the beauty and insight of Albert W, Tillinghast, the original de- signer, Finally, after many calls and in- terviews, Jay Morrish and Associates was selected. Our original plan called for rebuilding all the green. ., After pre- senting the plan to the membership, it was decided to rebuild only the four more troublesome greens the second, lifth„ 15th, and 16th. Now that an architect had been se- lected and the decision reached as to which greens would be rebuilt, the next step was to select a contractor, Once again, after more calls and more re- search, we decided on Dewar's com- pany, of Plano, Texas. A legal contract was drawn up that included require- ments to build the new greens, in strict accordance to the USGA's Specifica- tions and specifically called for inclusion of the two-inch coarse sand layer, off- site mixing. laboratory testing of the mix by Agri-Systems of Texas, and fumigation of the mix prior to planting,. Construction would begin August 19, 1985, As so often happens, once construc- tion began we realized we had an oppor- tunity to correct other problems at the same time, We decided to include the tees of the third, fifth, sixth, and 16th holes in the reconstruction process„ On August 27, Jim Moore, Director of thc Mid-Continent Region of the USGA Green Section, arrived for his annual Turf Advisory Service Visit, On Jim's recommendation and after approval by the green committee, we decided to re- build the 17th green as well. We also dis- c4.;ssed in great detail the necessity for using the proper mix and frequent test- ing to insure conformity to the Specifi cations throughout the construction process. 11 1 Al N/ GIS I 1986 11 I N OKLAHOMA we are fortunate to have a wide diversity of soils, sands, and tf"-avels. Samples from cach of the local sand companies, along with vari- ous peats, were forwardeei to the Agri-Systems lab for testina. It was determined that one company had an excellent sand for the mix while another company's sand was ideal for the two- inch coarse sand layer The final topmix was to contain 85 percent sand and 15 percent peat. All the mix was prepared on an adjacent parking lot and samples again submitted to Agri-Systems to insure the mixing process was adequate. In the meantime, the construction of the greens base and installation of the drain tile began. To insure proper func- tioning of the perch0 wi ti.:b!e inte- gral to the USGA method, subgrade was prepared to matc:i line contours of the final grade as exactly as possible. By doing so, the depth of the topmix would be consistent throughout the green, The drains were installed and the four-inch gravel blanket spread. As in many green construction proj- ects, the next step was perhaps the most controversial. Both our architect and the construction company suggested we could eliminate the two-inch coarse sand layer to reduce costs, The rationale was that the layer was too difficult to spread and would involve too much hand labor. Personally. I did not want anything less than complete compliance to the Specifications, After all, I would bc held responsible for the greens long after everyone else had gone, My green committee chairman called Jim Moore that evening, and the decision was reached to include the coarse sand layer Beginning the next day, my crew and the construction crew spread the layer. Less than two days later and for only $1,10, the controversy ended! As the topmix was moved onto the greens, the crew installed the new perimeter irrigation system,. With the aid of Roger Van Lecuwen, our local irrigation distributor. a two-headed sys- tem was installed. In Oklahoma, bent- grass greens require much closer water management than the surrounding bermudagrass aprons, By installing two heads back-to-back and on separate controllers, we are able to Water appro- priately for each turf species, After all the mix had been installed we again were faced with a controversial decision. The USGA strongly recom- mends fumigation to eliminate weed, insect, or disease pests that may have 12 SCA GREFN i'tT1ON RECORD 160 ,1111117 • • rj , • • • r 11,;`■•• contaminated the mix. The argument was made that contamination was un- likely, since the sand came straight from the plant. Once again I felt that after all this effort, now was not the time to cut corners. Fortunately, Bob Randquist, of Southern Hills, a good friend and fellow superintendent, had recently completed a fumigation and replanting job of his own, Borrowing both his equipment and his experience, we accomplished the job in three days for $1,500! Another controversy put to rest, ''INALLY, the greens were seeded on .a; September 12, 1985. Six months later and in time for our first spring tournament, they were opened to play Obviously a project such as this is a major step for any club, and it requires a great deal of effort t from all those in- volved. To insure success at your club, I would offer the following suggestions: L Involve professionals every step of the way The architect, the contractor, the testing laboratory, and the USGA, all should be part of the construction team. 2. Throughout the project, communi- cate as much as possible with your membership, Giving up part of their course for six m nths is much more bearable if they feel the end result will be worth the inconvenience. 3. Allow adequate time for the new greens to mature before returning them to play. 4. Take pictures of every phase of the project no matter how minor it may seem at the time Pictorial records will someday prove invaluable to you or the next fellow. 5. Finally, don't let anyone talk you into cutting corners„ Remember, it is your responsibility to protect the best interests of your membership 1 111111111111 ON 1111101111 II ‘41t111\ . .. . . .., ......,:: .• ..., , .. . '.,:„.„.r.';'....,,'::-.`;:-.4.---.:,,.,..„...;.::„..',,-.'-1-;,.':::.,:::..1...,..,"':''A.':::',-''..:".',1::•r:','.',.1,4:'''..,......•'., ,,.,...., ..: •.' ,. ''.'",''-:',..4.4 . .,-f, :".•:::.-.', , , . -,... .. ,.., .A. . , ..., , • ptgk' get view at loth green, (Above) Mn was prepared and vtockpiled offsne , and then tested again r insure proper proportions, (Left) Final rante sing o eliminate peas, J1 IN/Al GI ST 1986 13 •